05/30/2000 46198

SEXUAL OFFENDER ASSESSMENT BOARD PSYCHOLOGIST

DEFINITION: This is professional consultative work in the field of psychology.

The employee in this class is responsible for advising the Sexual Offender Assessment Board (SOAB) regarding the psychological assessment, evaluation and treatment of sex offenders. The work involves reviewing assessment tools utilized for the assessment of sex offenders to ensure compliance by the Board with administration and interpretation standards established by test developers; reviewing and analyzing Sexual Offender Assessment Board reports and assessments to determine appropriateness of content and style and adequacy of professional analysis and conclusions; conducting training needs assessment and providing advice regarding professional training and development; and developing and conducting training programs for Board members. An important aspect of the work involves the ability to develop cooperative working relationships with the members of a multidisciplinary board comprised of psychologists, psychiatrists and criminal justice experts. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Executive Director and is assigned in the form of general objectives and goals.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Reviews tests, such as the MMPI-II, the MCMI-II, the Hare PCL-R and other assessment tools for adherence to standards.

Reviews and analyzes SOAB reports and assessments.

Provides technical assistance to SOAB members regarding current processes and procedures utilized in the completion of reports and assessments.

Provides quality improvement instruction to Board members to maintain the quality and timeliness of assessments and reports.

Consults with SOAB members, individually and as a whole, to provide recommendations regarding professional development.

Develops training program for the SOAB members and staff, working closely with the Executive Director and the Chairperson of the Education Committee.

Conducts periodic professional development training for SOAB members at various locations throughout the Commonwealth.

Ensures the timely processing of assessments by Sexual Offender Assessment Board to meet statutory mandates.

Reviews and analyzes current research in the field of sexual offender assessment and treatment to determine the impact of new developments on current Board operations and recommend revisions to the Executive Director.

Conducts research projects related to sexual offenders as directed by the Executive Director.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of psychology, including statistical measurement of individuals and groups, diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapy, the relationship between diagnostic finds and therapeutic methodologies and report writing of the same.

Knowledge of the application of psychology to individual and group behavior.

Knowledge of mental illnesses and disabilities, their symptoms, treatment and social implications.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of psychological research and experimental design as applied to the field of psychology.

Ability to apply the standards and ethical principles related to the practice of psychology and other professional disciplines associated with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board assessment programs and processes.

Ability to evaluate the administration, scoring and interpretation of a wide range of psychological tests.

Ability to interpret and evaluate varied psychological data, review reports of findings and evaluate the recommendations contained in the reports.

Ability to apply the principles and methods of administration and supervision.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the multidisciplinary assessment board, personnel and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of treatment and/or evaluation experience with sex offenders.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a current license to practice psychology issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology.